PHARMACOKINETICS OF CEFOTAXIME IN NORMAL VOLUNTEERS AND PATIENTS WITH IMPAIRED RENAL FUNCTION

Abstract

Pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime (CTX) were studied in 3 normal volunteers, 12 patients with various degree of impaired renal function and 11 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Serum and urinary concentrations of CTX were determined by the thin layer cup method after intravenous administration of 1g, and pharmacokinetic analysis were performed by the two compartment open model.
The serum levels of CTX were higher in patients with impaired renal function than in normal volunteers, and the half-lives of CTX were prolongated parallel with the degree of renal impairment. The half-lives of CTX in patients undergoing hemodialysis were situated between its in normal volunteers and patients with mild impaired renal function (Ccr 30-70ml/min.).
Urinary recovery rate within 24 hours after administration of CTX 1g was 74.5% in normal volunteers and 5% in severe impaired renal function (Ccr>10ml/min.).
These results showed that the interval of intravenous administration of CTX should be protracted in patients with severe impaired renal function and patients undergoing hemodialysis.